How Small Businesses Can Save The World

Small local businesses are more involved in their communities, which means supporting them improves your neighbourhood and encourages civic participation.

Buying locally-produced products is less convenient, and yes, it is often more expensive, but it's a long-term strategy that reduces your carbon footprint, strengthens your local economy, is environmentally friendly and will save you money in the long run.

I get it — you're busy and broke and you don't have time to drive to the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker. Going to a large supermarket is cheaper and more convenient. But if you think about the long-term effects of your actions, you realize it's better to go small or go home.

Community building

In recent decades, the rise of corporations has deterred many local entrepreneurs from opening new businesses. Studies show that small businesses help to promote equality and build the middle class, leading to less poverty and a greater distribution of wealth. When you spend your money in small businesses, you are helping to keep your dollars in your community. You are creating jobs and increasing income for community members, and you're far more likely to procure that sponsorship for your local soccer team.

When goods are produced and sold in your local community, they have a smaller carbon footprint than goods produced overseas, because they don't have to be transported over long distances.

Pay the farmer, or pay the doctor

I balk at the prices of organic food sometimes. I know it takes more time and effort to grow organics, but I often opt for the cheaper, more convenient option that suits my budget and my love of junk food. The truth is, your health and environment are worth investing in. Studies show that pesticides in fruits and vegetables have a negative impact on the brain development and IQ of babies in utero. Organic foods are virtually pesticide free and contain lower levels of dangerous heavy metals such as cadmium.

When you support local, organic farmers, you're improving your own health and the health of your local wildlife and natural areas.

Developing craftsmanship

When items are mass-produced in a factory, they have lost the art of craftsmanship. Local artisans who hand-craft items create one-of-a-kind pieces and maintain and develop traditional methods and skills. These skills also lead to innovation and creativity that would otherwise be lost. Buying unique, quality handmade items means you buy fewer things as they last longer.

Buying quality items is also good for the environment because they don't end up in the landfill. Buying cheap, mass-produced items that break quickly means you spend more as you need to constantly replace things that have broken. You also add to your environmental impact through the manufacturing, transport and disposal of cheap items that end up in your local landfill.